Cardinal steps aside amid inappropriate behaviour inquiry

By CathNews New Zealand

July 14th, 2026

Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB (Wikmedia Commons)

Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco is temporarily stepping aside from public ministry amid a Vatican investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour toward at least five women. Source: The Pillar.

“During this period of investigation, so as not to hinder it, I will take a step back, not presiding over any public celebration, and not intervening in any pastoral activity,” Cardinal López Romero said in a July 6 statement.

He said the accusations “led the Church to open a preliminary investigation. This investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Roman authorities, with which I am cooperating”.

AFP reported on July 7 that five adult women filed complaints against the cardinal, but the country in which the allegations surfaced has not been made public. In the last 25 years, the cardinal has served as a priest and now bishop in four different countries.

Spanish newspaper El País reported subsequently that Moroccan authorities have denied that any criminal investigation against Cardinal López Romero is taking place in their country.

The cardinal, 74, also said in a July 7 statement to the wire agency EFE that he had not “committed any aggression, or acts of sexual violence, or harassment”.

“While awaiting the decisions that will be made by the Church, let us pray together for those who are suffering from this situation, let us pray for our Church, let us pray for one another and pray for me,” the cardinal said.

FULL STORY

Spanish cardinal steps back over investigation (By Edgar Beltrán/The Pillar)